Center for Immigrant and Refugee Health

11/06/2025

Exciting Opportunity for Young Professionals with Lived Displacement Experience! Applications for the National Young Adult Leadership Council close on November 10, 2025.

Refugee Congress is accepting applications for two new cohorts of the National Young Adult Leadership Council (NYALC), part of the National Refugee Leadership and Lived Experience Council (NRLLEC) program. Both NYALC cohorts are open to refugees, asylees with granted asylum status, and all other ORR-eligible populations aged 18 to 24 who have lived in the United States for less than 5 years.

In 2026, there will be two NYALC cohorts: emerging leaders and experienced leaders. Over 10 months, all NYALC Council Members will gain and deepen skills in community leadership, civic engagement, narrative development, public speaking, and more, while being supported to use these skills to design and implement a project benefiting their local community. Council Members will also have their voices heard and be able to share feedback in a written program report to the Office of Refugee Resettlement and through a stakeholder webinar. Monthly training, mentorship, and project guidance will be provided virtually, and Council Members will gather in person for a three-day meeting in Washington, DC, in August 2026. After the Council Term, NYALC Members will have the opportunity to continue their development through the NRLLEC Alumni Network.

The deadline for applications is November 10, 2025. Candidates must submit their applications here: https://refugeecongress.org/nrllec. Applicants can email nrllec@refugeecongress.org with questions.

10/31/2025

🚨 Federal Shutdown May Impact CalFresh Benefits — Here’s What You Need to Know

The ongoing federal government shutdown may disrupt CalFresh benefits (California’s SNAP program) starting November 1, unless Congress acts or the courts intervene. This could delay the deposit of benefits onto EBT cards, including the Golden State Advantage card used by 42 million Americans, including 5.5 million in California.

Here’s what this means for communities across California:

✅ What Remains Available
• Use Current Balances: Funds already loaded onto EBT cards will remain available until used.
• CalFresh Offices Open: Local offices are still operating to assist with applications and administrative needs.
• WIC Benefits Unaffected: The WIC program for pregnant individuals and children under 5 will continue as normal.

🍎 Need Food Assistance?
If your benefits are impacted, here are some resources that provide accessible food assistance services:
• California Association of Food Banks: https://www.cafoodbanks.org/
• Local list of food banks by county: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/food-banks
• Call 2-1-1 to get connected to food assistance and other local support services.

This uncertainty may be especially difficult for families, seniors, and vulnerable neighbors. If you’re able, please check in with your community and offer support.

For questions about your CalFresh benefits, visit the CalFresh FAQ page: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/benefits-services/food-nutrition-services/calfresh/calfresh-frequently-asked-questions

The federal government is shut down. Until President Trump and Congress reopen the government, millions of Californians receiving CalFresh benefits may have their benefits impacted. The federal government has not provided additional funding for these benefits. Funding is available for benefits for t...

10/31/2025

We want to hear from you! Take our short survey to help us understand the needs of immigrant and refugee communities. It is available in many languages. Complete it by November 3, 2025 for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. https://prettyform.addxt.com/a/form/?t=mVu7eA

10/22/2025

Webinar Recap: Know Your Rights Training

Earlier this month, CIRH, in partnership with Afghan Network for Advocacy and Resources - ANAR, hosted a Know Your Rights: Train the Trainer webinar, a practical and empowering session designed to strengthen participants’ capacity to deliver Know Your Rights workshops within their own communities.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and engaged so thoughtfully throughout the session. A special thank-you to our partners at Project ANAR for their informative presentation and ongoing commitment to immigrant justice. Their expertise shed light on practical strategies for rapid response, family preparedness, and community education during times of uncertainty.

👉 Watch the recording and access resources:

Earlier this month, CIRH hosted the Know Your Rights: Train the Trainer webinar, a practical and empowering session designed to strengthen participants’ capacity to deliver Know Your Rights workshops within their own communities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us and p

10/20/2025

Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District is seeking part-time ESL instructors to join their instructor pool. Positions are available at both colleges, with a special need for instructors in Mountain Empire (Potrero or Campo) starting Fall 2026.

🔗 Apply here: https://gcccd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/gcccdcareers/details/PART-TIME-INSTRUCTOR-POOL---ENGLISH-AS-A-SECOND-LANGUAGE_R-00673?q=english

This position requires a master's degree or higher in the subject area or equivalent.

Transforming lives through learning isn’t just the vision of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. It happens every day with our 30,000 students who take the first step in their higher education, become trained for a new career, or learn knowledge that transforms their world perspecti...

10/15/2025

📢 New Training Opportunity for School Staff

The California Department of Public Health, Office of School Health, the California Department of Education, and subject matter experts have launched a free, 50-minute online training designed to help school staff foster safe, supportive learning environments.

This training equips trusted adults on campus with strategies to support students’ social, emotional, and physical well-being, making sure every student feels safe, accepted, and valued.

🔗 Take the training here:

The California Department of Public Health, Office of School Health, the California Department of Education, and subject matter experts have developed this no-cost, online 50-minute training to provide information on how school staff, as trusted adults, can support the social, emotional, and physica...

10/10/2025

🌿 World Mental Health Day reminds us that mental health is a universal right.

For many refugees and immigrants, starting over in a new country can bring deep emotional challenges, such as grief, uncertainty, and the stress of rebuilding from the ground up.

Accessible, culturally responsive mental health care can make all the difference. If you are looking for referrals to online or in-person mental health services for refugee and immigrant communities in California, visit https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HfXjkpJuCbmWi7ZsfUITp3FND5msWTUYWIMbPI-Iv2w/edit?usp=sharing

10/10/2025

📢 The City of Sacramento is seeking ambassadors to strengthen connections with diverse and underrepresented communities. Ambassadors receive a $6,000 annual stipend and help bridge communication between the City and local residents.

🔗 Learn more:

The City of Sacramento is recruiting “community ambassadors” to build and maintain relationships with community partners and residents who represent culturally and linguistically diverse populations and historically underrepresented communities. Led by City’s Neighborhood Development Action Te...

10/09/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

After resettling in a new country, life can feel overwhelming. But taking care of your health matters. Breast cancer can affect anyone, and early screening can save your life, even if you feel healthy.

Many clinics offer free or low-cost mammograms, translation support, and women doctors who understand your language and culture.

👉 What you can do:
- Talk to your primary doctor or nurse about breast cancer screening.
- Visit your local health center or ask a community organization about free or low-cost screenings.
- Encourage your sisters, mothers, and friends to get checked.
- Your voice may help another woman take action. Share this message!

10/07/2025

In September, CIRH hosted an inspiring conversation that explored how Islam, Christianity, and Judaism can nurture healing, sanctuary, and hope for displaced communities worldwide.

Faith leaders shared powerful insights on how communities can move from empathy to action and offer practical, compassionate support for refugees and asylum seekers through interfaith solidarity and collaboration.

🎙️ Featured Speakers:
Dr. Omar Reda — Founder, Healing Trauma Institute
Reverend Canon Eric Metoyer — Episcopal Diocese of California
Rabbi Julie Bressler — Associate Rabbi, Temple Sinai, Oakland

Watch the full conversation to learn how faith can become a source of healing and belonging:
🔗

As global displacement reaches record levels, refugees and asylum seekers face immense trauma, loss, and uncertainty. This powerful conversation brings toget...

09/24/2025

🌟 Community Spotlight: Dr. Mohammad Sediq Hazratzai 🌟

When Dr. Sediq arrived in the U.S., his medical degree and years of global public health leadership couldn’t open doors right away. But through persistence and with support from Upwardly Global, he rebuilt his career path. Today, he leads the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Health, helping thousands of newcomers access care and brighter futures.

As a physician and refugee himself, Dr. Sediq is paying it forward by mentoring refugee physicians and advocating for refugee immigrant professionals on Upwardly Global’s Board. His leadership continues to guide CIRH to grow as one of the largest refugee-serving organizations in California.

💬 “Be hopeful. Be consistent. Be persistent. The bigger the challenge, the bigger the opportunity.”

🔗 Learn more about his journey:

“It all started with Upwardly Global… and it snowballed from there.” When Dr. Mohammad Sediq Hazratzai arrived in San Francisco in 2016, he brought with him an impressive resume: a […]

09/22/2025

Upcoming Webinar: Mastering Know Your Rights Training for Your Community
📅 October 8, 2025
🕛 12:00 – 1:30 PM PST
Join us for a training presented in collaboration with Project ANAR. This session will equip community members, service providers, advocates, and allies with the tools to deliver impactful Know Your Rights workshops in their communities.
✅ Gain practical strategies to lead Know Your Rights workshops effectively
✅ Build confidence in supporting community members and answering common questions

🎤 Featured Speakers:
Laila Ayub – Co-founder of Project ANAR & immigration defense lawyer
Sara Kohgadai – Co-director at Project ANAR & immigration attorney

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your advocacy and support refugee and immigrant communities.

👉 Register today: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sVt5WAXFQp-m8dJ_RLsAzg #/registration